Published: April 4, 2009 1:39 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight April 2009 Edition
Nate Currin
Nate Currin Photography by Laretta Houston
He's a Georgia native who has lived in many places throughout the world. He also happens to be an amazing Folk Singer/Songwriter who captures beautifully the essence of storytelling through his music. With a sound that certainly makes him stand out, Nate Currin is going to win you over. In this recent interview with Nate, I had the pleasure to speak to the talented musician in this ultra fun interview.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Nate Currin?
Nate: If I could sum up 2008 in one word, it would be: Tour. In March/April of 2008 we went on tour for the first time playing shows up the east coast from Atlanta, Raleigh, Greenville, Boston, New York, etc. It was an "eye-opening" experience for myself as well as the band, but very beneficial. We played mostly smaller venues, but drew out decent crowds at each stop along the way.
Also, in 2008, I was able to start working on my new album which has just been completed, and will be released later this month. So, all in all it was a great year, and there was much accomplished.
Isaac: Expound a little about growing up in the Peach State of Georgia.
Nate: Well, growing up in Georgia for me was an "on again - off again" experience, because I lived here for a while, then moved away, and repeated that several times.
I've had the opportunity to live all over the US and spend a great deal of time in several other countries as well, but something always brings me back "home" to Georgia.
Isaac: We are located in Georgia too and just love this state.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Nate: Because we were coming off the release of my first full length album right at the tail-end of 2007, I came into 2008 in somewhat of a whirlwind. We were on tour during the spring, I went to Europe for part of the summer to perform, then I was in California for a while working on some demo versions of several new songs, and then I spent the last couple of months of the year in and out of Raleigh, NC working on the new album. Really, I would have to say just getting so many things taken care of and expanding into various realms of the industry was a great accomplishment in and of itself.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music
industry and why?
Nate: My favorite band/influence of all time would be Counting Crows (Adam Duritz), and I think his style comes through lyrically as well as musically in many of my songs. I also draw a lot of inspiration from some older writers such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and even some Elton John. I spent a little time with Billy Corgan (of the Smashing Pumpkins), and though my music is not similar at all, I feel I have drawn a lot of influence from him through the use of metaphorical lyrics and phrases.
Currently, I listen to a lot of singer/songwriter type artist and draw inspiration from them: Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, William Fitzsimmons, Jason Mraz. But I would say my favorite band currently is "Frightened Rabbit" out of Glasgow, Scotland.
Lyrically, I love their style, and I tend to draw some thematic elements from them. I hate being locked into one specific genre, and I listen to rock, pop, folk, jazz, blues, classical, electronic, trance, acoustic, etc. I like to blend other styles and genres into my music through the acoustic guitar and then see what the outcome is.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Nate: I really feel that I bring a fresh new approach to life through music to the industry. I think what sets me (us) apart is the fact that I am just someone who has been through a lot of crap, but persevered and continued on. Instead of letting the bad things in life overtake me, I have channeled those things into songs that inspire and motivate others. And I think through this I am able to sing/perform these songs with so much passion and intensity that it moves those who come see us perform. All that coupled with the fact that we combine so many sounds/genres and really keep things interesting from a musical standpoint brings together a unique sound/show.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Nate: For me, it would definitely be Adam Duritz (from Counting Crows). He has been such an inspiration to me over the last 15 years from a musical standpoint. His absolute beauty as a writer shines through every single song he writes, and it literally connects with me in a way that few people/artists do. If I had just one hour to sit down with Adam and "pick his brain" so to speak, I think I would be happy.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Nate: I would describe my music as really an eclectic mix, but acoustically driven for the most part. It certainly has hints of rock, blues, and folk at times. And certain people would label it "contemporary folk", but I think that limits it somewhat. My lyrics would certainly be "singer/songwriter" driven with stories at the premise. I love to craft story lines with my music lyrically, but not necessarily plots that an average listener would understand. I like to dig deep and relay messages that are under the surface.
Isaac: What is your definition for Folk Music?
Nate: Folk music is one of those terms that has so many definitions and various meanings to it really can't be nailed down to mean one thing anymore. I know traditionally Folk music has meant the use of elements of the past - either musically or lyrically, but to me Folk music is more about the use of storytelling… not just stories of the past or traditional tales, but telling any particular story through music.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?
Nate: My first EP (Another Long September) was released right around the end of 2006. It was a 4 song EP that featured popular tracks such as "Breaking for London" and "1,000 Miles". I was offered a deal to sell "1,000 Miles" to a Nashville artist but refused to give up one of my favorite songs.
My first full length album "The Darkest Sea" by Nate Currin was released December 15, 2007. To date, "The Darkest Sea" has sold around 600 copies (physical and downloaded), and the most popular tracks seem to be "Magnolia", "Conversation", "Masquerade", and "The Greatest Escape" which has been played on several college radio stations and programs. So, overall I would response has been very positive to this point for both albums - just on a limited level.
Isaac: What has been the inspiration behind your second EP - a 5 song piece scheduled for release in April 2009?
Nate: My new album, a 5 song EP called "Songs for Magnolia" is scheduled for release April 27. It will feature 5 new songs that I believe is my best work to date. The inspiration behind Songs for Magnolia was my love and admiration for one of my best friends who was killed in a car accident last year. Each song really somewhat represents a different facet of my relationship with this individual, and ties that story all together.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Nate: There are many places online that I can be found. Of course I have a website (http://www.natecurrin.com) and that is a great way to promote my stuff as well as reach me. Right now we also have 2 MySpace pages:
Facebook: Search for Nate Currin - and there is also a Nate Currin Musician Page as well as a group called the "Nate Currin Fan Club"
Isaac: What can fans expect from Nate Currin in 2009?
Nate: Hopefully quite a bit. With the release of this new album, I am slowly being picked up by radio stations across the US and Canada - college radio, online radio, as well as even a few mainline pop stations. Also, we are playing out more often at music festivals and in different cities. If you are interested in having me come to your city and perform, please contact us via booking@natecurrin.com, and we'll get you more details on how that works.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans!
Nate: To the true fans who have worked so hard the past couple of years spreading the word about me and my music, I thank you! It has been entirely through grassroots marketing and word of mouth that my music has reached the platform where it's at. The new Nate Currin Street Team should also be thanked as they are on the verge of doing some amazing marketing and promotion. Thanks to anyone and everyone who has ever supported me by coming out to shows, purchasing an album, or talking about my music to someone else! As a band (Nate, Simon, Andrew, and Brent), we sincerely thank everyone.
Isaac: Final words from Nate Currin:
Nate: Keep on keeping on! Check my music out, buy an album, and live life to the fullest! That's what it's all about.
